Ramp Worker Ingested into Jet Engine

According to an NTSB statement, Delta Flight 1111 from Los Angeles had landed in San Antonio and was taxiing to the gate on one engine when the  worker was ingested into the engine at about 10:25 p.m. CDT.

"Based on information the Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office provided to [NTSB on Monday], the NTSB will not be opening an investigation into this event," the agency said. "There were no operational safety issues with either the airplane or the airport."

The worker was employed by Unifi Aviation, a ground service company contracted by Delta Air Lines for ramp operations. The name of the individual was not released.

"Unifi Aviation is deeply saddened by the loss of our employee at San Antonio International Airport during a tragic incident in the late hours of Friday, June 23, 2023," the company said in a statement Monday. "Our hearts go out to the family of the deceased, and we remain focused on supporting our employees on the ground and ensuring they are being taken care of during this time. 

"From our initial investigation, this incident was unrelated to Unifi’s operational processes, safety procedures and policies. Out of respect for the deceased, we will not be sharing any additional information. While police and other officials continue to investigate this incident, we defer to them on providing further details."

FLYING reached out to Delta for comment, but the company has yet to respond.

This is the second time in six months that a ramp worker has been killed by being drawn into an operating jet engine. On December 31, an airline ramp worker at Montgomery Regional Airport (KMGM) in Alabama was killed after she walked in front of a still-operating engine of an Embraer 170. The aircraft was operated by Envoy Air Inc., doing business as American Eagle, and the incident remains under investigation.